I have been thinking lately that I need a mentor. You know, someone ahead of me in the game of life that will walk me through what's coming. Someone whose children my little ones could look up to. I need that wife, mother, and friend that could admonish me to be everything God wants. I want them to be like-minded. Is that so bad? Not that they have to think everything that I do, but that we see major things in life through the same lense.
I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I have many wonderful friends and family members who love me, inspire me and journey with me. But most of us are peers. And there is something to be said about that older woman, living in the same town, that could show me things that I don't know. Or even challenge me when they see weakness in my life.
Since we are part of a church plant, many of our members are young. I love that. They add vitality and life to our tiny congregation. BUT, that makes me one of the oldest women in our church. I don't feel particularly suited for that. :) It's not a bad fact, it's just a fact. I guess lately I've noticed my need for guidance more than ever and I'm feeling desperate. So, I've started praying for a mentor. Isn't it funny that being desperate always leads to prayer? I guess I should have started praying BEFORE I was desperate. Oh well...
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Oh, man. Did you just call yourself the "oldest woman in the church"?
You said it. Not me.
The thing is, you're so darn cute we all forget how OLD you are.
For what it's worth, you are an inspiration and example for all the young mothers in our church. I am a better mom because I have you as a friend. Aren't I lucky?
I'm praying for you, too. I love you, girl.
I said, "ONE OF", thank you very much! But you saved yourself with the cute remark.
I feel very fortunate to be where I'm at - I have so many women in my life who are not just necessarily older, but who have experienced things of marriage and parenting longer than I have and I just don't know what I did before you all! Even La mentors me sometimes and I feel like we're peers as well.
I understand that feeling of wanting to be mentored kinda being on the other side of it. I feel like I have both - I have people that I feel mentor me and I, in turn, mentor others.
I'm praying for you, girl. I'm so glad you're ONE of many women in our church and in my life I can look up to - God has placed you in that position for a reason! I pray and believe He will provide what you are praying for and all that you need.
As a peer you have challenged and inspired me throughout so many years! I adore you and your knowledge and inspiration! I too understand wanting a woman before you in the journey and with similar views. You convicted me that I need to be praying for that as well! I will look forward to who God brings to your life! :)
What you seek is often called a Spiritual Director. Monastic types have had them for centuries. There are various ways of finding them around, I know of some Nuns that do that, would you like me to get you the information?
I had some wonderful mentors when I was a brand new mother and still think back to those days with a thankful heart.
I really don't have any mentors now to help me navigate the teenage years and it really is a shame, I believe. I think this is one reason why Titus 2 is so important to me. Hopefully, you and I will remember our own need when we get older and be a mentor for someone.
One of my favorite activities is "mothering mothers." We moms are wiping the noses and bottoms of Kingdom Warriors. It's hard and long and boring and confusing and scary. It's the most worthwhile, influential and dreary occupation.
We NEED each other for perspective, exhortation and accountability.
I've long thought that we all need a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy in our lives. A Paul to instruct, correct, and cast vision for us. A Barnabas to encourage and work alongside us wherever we are on the path. A Timothy to disciple, equip, and send out to carry on the work of advancing the Kingdom.
I have had some wonderful mentors in my life. I wouldn't be who I am today without them, and of course God working through them. I have come to a place now where I seem to be making everyone a peer and I miss that mentor. I am also in a place right now where my strongest peers that I have had the most respect for have let me down. That hurts, a lot. I am trying to find my way back to trusting and to the Mentor that never lets me down.
Thank you all for your sweet comments!
Monk-in-training, I would like that information. Thanks
Michelle - I want to always be willing to be a mentor to someone else but I know I'm not always real open to that. I guess I'm afraid that I have to have it "all together" before I guide someone else. False thinking since I will NEVER have it all together.
JESPRINCESS, I have to admit that your comment was really good for me. Sometimes I think I want to have a human guide instead of seeking the one, true Mentor. Thanks for the reminder!
Actually--we probably do people more good by just being ourselves, "warts and all." This way, we don't give someone the impression that perfection is even possible and thus, discouraging them. Y'know? The best mentors are just authentic people striving to live Spirit filled lives, I think. That's all we can ever really be anyway.
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